Improvement in spiral-spring hinges



4 Sheets-Sheet 1.

1. BUOKMAN Spiral-Spring Hinge. y No. 217,054. Patented July1, 1879.

WITNESEEE: INNEN-VDH:

Q IHA BUCKMAN, BY 1mm L9/Y' L LadL/4-G.

. AT1-YE.

4 Sheets-Sheet 3. I. BUKMAN Spiral-Spring Hinge. NO. 217,054.Patentedk1u|y1,1879.

A 'T' T Y 5 INAPEYERS. PHOTO-LITHOGRAFNER, WASHiNGYON. D CV UNITEDSTATES PATENT QEErcEC IRA BUGKMAN, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

IMPROVEMENT IN SPIRAL-SPRING HINGES. l

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 217,054, dated July 1,1879 application filed Jun@ 21, 187s.

To all whom it may concern.- K l Be it known that I, 11m BUOKMAN, ofBrooklyn, county of Kings and State of New York, have invented new anduseful` Improvementsin Spiral-Spring Hinges; and I do hereby declarethat the following is a full, clear, and eXact description of the same,reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters ofreference marked thereon.

This invention consists, mainly, irst, in the special construction ofthe hinge, by means of which it is adapted to permit the removal orinsertion of a spiral spring without taking the hinge apart, second, inthe special construc- Ation of the spring per sc,- and, third, in thespecial construction of a doubleacting hinge, by means of which theright and left hand spiral springs employed therein are made interch angeable.

It further consists in certain details of construction, all of whichwill be fully described hereinafter.. A In the drawings, Figure 1represents an elevation of a sin gle-actin g hinge with the leaves open5 Fig. 2, an elevation of the same with the leaves closed; Fig. 3, a topview of the closed hinge with the wrench-cap removed. Figs. 4 and 5,side elevations of the separate leaves of the hinge,- Fig. 6, anelevation of a double-acting hinge with the leaves open; Fig. 7, apartial view of the central plate; Fig. S, a top view of the hinge withthe leaves closed 5 Fig. 9, a side elevation and top view of thewrench-cap detached; Fig. 10, a vertical elevation' and bottom view ofthe same;

11, an elevation, partially in section, of

the arbor detached; Fig. 12, an elevation of the tip and its threadedrod; Fig. 13, a view of a sectional tube for inclosing the spring;

Fig. 14,' various views of the shield or cap;

Fig. 15, sectional elevations of springs made of round and square wire;Fig. 16, a diagraln representing the transverse sectional area of thesame; and Fig. 17, an elevation of a duplex spring for large doors.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my invention, I willnow proceed to describe fully its construction and manner of operation.

and 3, as shown. a?, Fig. f1, represents the main portion of the leaf a,having the usual screw-holes; and a3, a projectingI portion, resemblingin form one-quarter of a cylinder cut longitudinally, which is providedat each end with the knuckles a4 and the projecting Ilan ge a5, havingthe recess a6, as shown, the purpose of which latter will be hereinafterexplained.

'lhe leaf al is constructed in a similar manner to the leaf a, with theexception that the knuckles alare located at the proper points in avertical plane to bear against the inner surfaces of theknuckles a4 whenthe parts are properly in place, as shown in Fig. l.

a8, Fig. 5*, represents a recess formed in the inner sides of theknuckle al, the purpose of Which will be hereinafter explained.

B, Figs. la and 5, represent a steel bushing, which is rigidly securedin the eye of one of the knuckles and caused to project loosely into theother.

b b, Fig. 1, also represent bushings, consisting of washers, which arerigidly secured in proper recesses in the eye of the other knuckle, theinternal diameters of which are large enough to permit the main bushing,B, to turn therein Without undue friction. This bushing need not beemployed if hard metal is used for the hinges, or when the same are madeof small size 5 but when the hinges are large and of soft metal it maybe advantageously used.

C, Figs. 1 and 15, represents a spring, preferably formed of squarewire, which is spirally' wound in any proper manner to form both rightand left hand coils.

c, Fig. 13, represents a bent end of round or square wire, which extendsacross the center at each end, for the purpose of furnishing a suitablemeans of attachment, as will be hereinafter' described.

D, Figs..l, l, and 11, represents an arbor, consisting of the enlargedhead d, Figs. 1'LL and 1l, having the central slot, all, and also theshank all, having the angular termination d3, with threaded recess d4,Figs. 1 and 11, as shown. d5, Figs. 12L and 11, represents abearing-face of the arbor-head d, which rests, when in place, upon theface of the recess a8, these parts being accurately dressed, so that theone may move upon the other without undue friction.

E, Figs. 1, 9, and 10, represents a wrenchcap, having a central openingthrough thev sanne, as shown in Fig. 10, which is made angular at itslarge end for the purpose ofengaging with the correspondingly-formedtermination d3 of the arbor, as shown. The bearingface of the wrench-capis accurately dressed, so that when the same is united to the arbor, ashereinafter described, the parts will move together upon the bearingswithout binding or cramping at any point.

e, Figs. 3f and 9, represents a series of holes formed in thecircumference el, any one of which is adapted to receive a stop-pin,hereinafter referred to.

e?, Fig. 9, represents a hexagonal or other angular outline, by means ofwhich the cap is adapted to receive a wrench whenit is desired to turnthe same.

F, Figs. l and l2, represents a knob or tip, and f a threaded rodattached `to the same, by means of which and the threaded recess d* inthe arbor the wrench-cap is securely attached to the latter. An arbor,wrench-cap, and tip are employed at each end" of the hinge, as shown inFig. l.

The knuckles of the leaves having been properly adjusted, the arbors mayfirst be inserted in place, and be then secured by the wrench-cap andtip. By this means, it will be observed, the. knuckles are securely tiedtcgether, so that great strength is given to this part of the hinge. Thehinge portion of the device is thus made complete, although the springhas not yet been inserted in place, and consequently, if desired, it maybe placed upon the door in this condition. The spring, however, isreadily inserted into place at any time by first slipping one end intoits proper place in the case and then compressing the same in a verticaldirection until the other end also will pass into the case. When thespring is in its properposition its bent ends rest in the slots of thearbors, as indicated in dotted lines, Fig. 11, so these parts arerigidly united together, so far as revolution is concerned. The ends,however, are not held, so far as vertical movement is concerned, andhence the spring may be readily removed at any time Without taking thehinge apart or removing it from the door.

G, Fig. 3g, represents a stop-pin inserted in any one of the holes ofthe series of the wrenchcap, by means of which the spring is connectedat one end to one leaf of the hinge and at the other end to the otherleaf in a sin gle-acting hinge. The outer ends of the pins, it will beobserved, rest in the recesses a of the lian ge, by means of whicharrangement the parts can be readily reached for purposes of adjustment, no matter what may be the position of the hinge on thedoor-frame. These recesses also furnish proper space for the pin whenthe hinge is opened to its Widest extent, for, otherwise, either themovement of the hinge would be limited or the pins be crushed.

l, Figs. 2 and .14, represents a cap-plate of semi-cylindrical form,which is provided with the annular projections 7L, having' the screwholes 7L', as shown. By means of4 these annular projections alargely-increased bearing-sun face is obtained for the head of thescrew, and consequently a much stronger connection is made between theparts when the same are united than would be otherwise the case.

This cap, which may be employed or not, as'- may be preferred, covers,when in place, the opening through which the spring is inserted orremoved. It serves also, when in place, to tie the knuckles at theopposite ends of the hinge together, in order that it may resist lnorcperfectly the vertical strain to which they are subjected.

I, Fig. 6, also represents a cap-plate permanently attached in place,which serves, inconnection with the plate H, to entirely cover thespring.

J, Fig. 6, represents a double-acting hinge, having the main partscommon to this class of hinges-that is, the outer leaves, K L, Fig. 8,and the central plate, M, as shown.

k, Fig. 6, represents the main portion of the outer leaf, K, having theusual screw-holes; and la', Fig. 8, a projecting portion similar to thatpreviously described upon the leaf a. l

Z, Fig. 6, represents the main portion ofouter leaf upon the oppositesite, which is constructed preciselylike the leaf K, an d need nottherefore be particularly described.

M, Fig. 7, represents the central plate, before referred to, consistingof the main portion m and projecting portion ml on each edge, but uponopposite sides of a transverse center line, as shown in Fig. S, whichportions are similar in their general form to the corresponding parts ofthe leaves K and L, as shown. m2 m2 represent knuckles upon theprojecting portions, which are located at the proper points in avertical plane to bear against the inner surfaces of the knuckles of theleaves when the parts are properly in place.

When the parts are properly united, it will be observed that the outerface of each leaf is in a plane which is parallel with the transversecenterline of the hinge, as shown in Fig. 8, and that the innerface,consequently, is in clined kto fit the central plate, whichnecessarily eX- tends in a diagonal direction from one knuckle to theother. By means of this special construction the hinges may be appliedto the door and frame with perfect certainty by the use of thetry-square.

The other portions of this hinge are precisely like those of thesingle-acting hinge already described, and hence they will not be setforth again in detail.

In the double-actin g hinge, however, the manner of employing thesprings is important, as will appear from the following statement:

In order to obtain the best results from a spiral spring, it shouldalways be turned in that direction which will tend to wind it up, andnever in the opposite direction, for the reason that movement in theformer direction will have a tendency to increase the original set ofthe spring, or at least not to diminish the same, while movement in thelatter will tend to impair the original set, and ultimately ldev stroyit: More power also is obtained by turning in this direction, because inone case the coils are brought closer together by the movement, and thusmutual support and rigidity are obtained, 'while in the other case thecoils are separated from eachother. Byturningin the proper direction,also, the diameter of the coil is diminished, and hence more power isthus obtained, while by the opposite movement the diameter is increasedand the power necessarily diminished. By the increase of diameter, also,when movement is made in the wrong direction, the spring is liable to bebrought in contact with the case and be injured by fric-A tion.

In order, then, that the springs in the'hinge may always be wound in theproper direction, I employ upon one side a right-hand spring, and uponthe other a lefthand, and adjust both according to a fixed and definiterule, such as, for example, the following: Adjust at the top of thehinge, and always turn toward the door; or adjust at the bottom of thehinge, and always turn from the door. The

precise rule determined upon is not important g but when adopted thehinges, if properly prepared, may always be adjusted by the rule with auabsolute certainty that each spring will be turned in the properdirection. For example, if the first rule be adopted-adjust at the topof the hing'e, and always turn toward the door-the following arrangementshould be made: For a right-hand door (and by a right-hand door is meantone which swings from the jamb in a direction which would correspond'with the forward movement of the right arm' of a person occupying theplace of the jamb) the hinge in the first place would be attadhed to thejambin such manner that the outer leaf would swing inward withthe doorwithout carrying .the central plate, `,this being carried in thereverse'movement ot' the door.44 The outer-knuckles then should have aright-,

hand spring,'and the inner knuckles a lefthand one. Vhen thus arrangedboth springs maybe adjusted according to the rule, with an absolutecertainty that each will be turned in the proper direction.

The same hinge may now be applied to a left-hand door by simplyreversing the vertical position of the same, when it will be found thatthe outer leaf will swing inward without carrying the central plate.

The springs, however, must be in terchan ged,

the left-hand spring now being placed in the outer knuckle, and theright-hand spring in the innerf The adjustment, however, is madeprecisely in accordance with the rulethat is, both are turned at the toptoward the door.

The operation is substantially as follows: The hinge having beenproperly put together, and the saine having been properly secured to thedoor-frame and door, the general action in opening' and closing ineither direction will be similar to that of other hinges ot' this class.p

The action in detail, however, is different. B y means ofthe arbor ateach end the knuckles lare securely tied together, and proper bearingsare furnished for the necessary movements. The arbor at one end, it willbe observed, serves asa fixed a-Xle, upon which the moving knuckleturns, and that at the other as a shaft attached to the movingl knucklewhich turns ini the fixed knuckle, the latter' serving as ajournal-bearing. By means of this construction it is possible to makethe parts of such proportions relatively to each other as are bestadapted to sustain the wear to which they are necessarily subjected.

The bearing parts upon the arbor-head, the wrench-cap, and theintermediate knucl le are accurately dressed, as before stated, so thatthis movement takes place with a minimum amount of friction.4

The springs are adjusted by turning either wrench-cap in the properdirection until the proper tension is obtained, and then securing it inthat position by inserting the stop-pin in the proper hole. The springsmay be readily removed and replaced or be interchanged, it'

desired.

It will be observed that the adjusting-caps are located. at each end ofthe hinge, and that the locking-pins in the caps are located on op`posite sides, by means of which construction and arrangement it ispossible always to adjust the springs properly, even it' one half of oneof the leaves is embedded in thejainb.

Some of the advantages of the described construction are as follows: By`means oi' the special construction it is possible to see the conditionof the springs, and also to remove and replace the same, without takinthe hinge apart or removing'it from the door. By the employment of aright-andleft hand springiu lthe manner described, the same may beadjusted according to a detnite rule, with absolute certainty that thespring will be wound in the proper direction. 'lhe hinges, also, may

be made up'at the factoryrom a single pat` tern, without` regard to thefact of their use upon a right or left hand door. They may, however, bespecially prepared for either door by properly' arranging the springs,and when prepared may be readily changed, if circumstances require it,by simply intercha-uging its springs. i

The employment of a coiled spring formed of square wire within thecylindrical case is advantageous, because such a spring contains morematerial than a round-wire spring, and hence possesses more power. rlhiswill ap` pear, it is believed, from the following explanation: Thediameter of the coil, whether round or square wire is employed, must bethe same, and cannot exceed theinner diameter of the inclosing-case, ifan inclosing-case is employed. The transverse diameters .r r11/y,

Fig. 16, ofthe two wires is also the same; but in the square wire thespaces in the angles between the ends of the diameters are filled tomake a square corner, as shown.

It will be understood, of course, that the size of the round wire, whenits circumference iills 'the inclosing-case, cannot be enlarged; but thevacant spaces between its corners may be utilized to obtain greaterpower without requiring additional space. By means of the square wire,also, a spring is obtained which is more rigid than the round undervertical strain, so that, if desired, it may be used without the supportof an inclosing-case and still retain its proper vertical position,without any tendency to buckle or twist out of place.

By the employment of the annular projections in the cap-plate Hit ispossible to use a thin metal for the same and still obtain strengthenough at the points of attachment to canse it to serve an importantpart in strengthening the hinge. By recessing the knuckles a perfectbearing is obtained for the head of the arbor, and also the end of thespring is caused to bear squarely upon the end of the knuckles.

Certain modifications will now be described, as follows: N, Fig. 13,represents a tube or cylinder, having one end partially closed by theannular flange n, as shown. nl also rep! resents a short section ofsimilar tubing, having the annular iiange n2 at one end, which isadapted to slide within the tube N, as shown. O represents a coiledspring, which is adapted to iill the case, as shown.

By means of this construction the spring` may be inclosed before itisinserted in the hinge, the vertical movement necessary to its linsertionbeing permitted by the sliding of one tube within the other. If desired,the tube may be used in place of the cap and be ornamente'd to anydesired extent.

P, Fig. 17, represents a duplex hinge for very heavy doors. This has aright and left hand spring on each side of the hinge. The inner end ofeach is rigidly held b v a knuckle or stud from the central plate,placed in vertical line with the knuckles, while the other ends of thesprings are adjusted;v to or from the door, according to theirarrangement. Both, however, are adjusted in the same way. The duplex.hinge here described is not claimed in this application, but may be madethe subject of a future application.

I do notlimit myself to the precise construction shown. For example, ifdesired, the tipcap can be dispensed with, and the wrenchcap be secureddirectly to the arbor by means of a set-screw. A

Instead of the arbor, any rotating cap may be employed with the rightand left hand springs, or with a spiral spring of square wire.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, anddesire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In combination with a cylindrical case having an opening adapted topermit the removal of the spring and the arbors rigidly iiXed, as far asvertical movement is concerned',

a removable spiral spring, substantially as described, the constructionbeing such that the spring may be removed or insertedwithout taking thehinge apart or removing it from the door.

2. In combination with the cylindrical case, having an opening asdescribed, and a removable spring, a removable inclosing-cap adaptedtoinclose the spring, substantially as described, the construct-ionbeing such that the cap may be removed without taking the hinge apart,removing it from the door, or removing the arbors.

3. In combination with the knuckles of the hinges, the independentarbors, each having a bearing in the knuckles of each part,substantiallyas described.

4. In combination with the knuckles of the outer leaf and central plate,the headed arbor and means, substantially as described, for securing thearbor in place, thus tying the knuckles together.

5. In combination with an arbor having a head, as described, theknuckles having a slot or recess, c", as and for the purpose set forth.

6. 1n combination with the knuckles having a slot, a8, and the arborhaving the head, as

described, the spiral spring bearing upon the knuckle, as described.

7. In combination with the knuckles and the arbor, the removablewrench-cap E, having the series of holes and locking-pin, as described.

8. In combination with the arbor and wrenchcap, the tip having thethreaded rod, as described.

9. A double-acting spring hinge having a right and a lefthand spiralspring, interchangeable without taking the hinge apart, removing thesame from the door, or remo {ir-1g the arbors.

10. The cap-plate H, having its annnlarprojection h, as and for thepurpose described.

11. In combination with a recessed arbor, a spiral spring of square'wirehaving a bent end, the construction and arrangement being such that thepower of the spring is torsionally applied, as set forth.

12. A spring butt-hinge having a central plate with knuckles on eachside, outer leaves having knuckles on their adjacent edges, a-

spring or springs located between the knuckles of a central plate, and aslotted arbor, the power of the spring being transmitted through theknuckles of the central plate and the knuckles of the outer leaves bymeans of the slotted arbor, substantially as described.

13. In combination with a spiral spring, the` sectional tube N al, asdescribed.

This specification signed and witnessed this 7th day of June, 1878.

IRA BUGKMAN.

Witnesses:

J oHN B. SUYDAM, G. W. KELsEY.

